The Rockets' worst losses of the 2013-2014 season

January 17, 2014 11:58 AM

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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When the Rockets lose, they often do it in the most unpleasant way possible. Houston has struggled against several teams that are far below them into the standings. Or, they race out to a big lead, only to suffer a meltdown in key moments. To make things worse their worst losses are usually on national television.
Though the wins outnumber the disappointments, here is a look at the Rockets' worst losses this season. less

When the Rockets lose, they often do it in the most unpleasant way possible. Houston has struggled against several teams that are far below them into the standings. Or, they race out to a big lead, only to ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

When the Rockets lose, they often do it in the most unpleasant way... Photo-5737410.77924 - Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 7: Lakers 99, Rockets 98 - The eyes of the NBA were on Houston in Dwight Howard’s first game against his former team. With Kobe Bryant nursing an injury, the Rockets seemingly had the upper-hand. Instead a last-second 3-pointer by Steve Blake gave Los Angeles the victory and gave the Rockets their first taste of a painful loss to start the season. less

Nov. 7: Lakers 99, Rockets 98 - The eyes of the NBA were on Houston in Dwight Howard’s first game against his former team. With Kobe Bryant nursing an injury, the Rockets seemingly had the upper-hand. Instead

Nov. 13: 76ers 123, Rockets 117 - Philadelphia is one of the worst teams in the NBA, but that didn’t stop them from beating the Rockets. Without James Harden, Houston let the Sixers stay close enough to force overtime and surrendered 36 points to former Rockets bench player James Anderson. less

Nov. 13: 76ers 123, Rockets 117 - Philadelphia is one of the worst teams in the NBA, but that didn’t stop them from beating the Rockets. Without James Harden, Houston let the Sixers stay close enough to

Nov. 20: Mavericks 123, Rockets 120 - Houston built an 18-point lead and Dwight Howard had an impressive output. But it was in vain. Dallas outscored the Rockets 36-19 in the fourth quarter, giving Houston another embarrassing performance in primetime.
The Rockets went on to lose again to the Mavericks on Dec. 23, but in a much less excruciating fashion. less

Nov. 20: Mavericks 123, Rockets 120 - Houston built an 18-point lead and Dwight Howard had an impressive output. But it was in vain. Dallas outscored the Rockets 36-19 in the fourth quarter, giving Houston

Dec. 2: Jazz 109, Rockets 103 - Against one of the worst teams in the Western Conference, Houston got off to a sluggish start and it haunted them the rest of the night. Utah's Gordon Hayward had 29 points to give the Jazz a rare win. less

Dec. 2: Jazz 109, Rockets 103 - Against one of the worst teams in the Western Conference, Houston got off to a sluggish start and it haunted them the rest of the night. Utah's Gordon Hayward had 29 points to

Jan. 16: Thunder 104, Rockets 92 - The Rockets made some dubious history by scoring 73 points in the first half and 19 in the second half. Kevin Durant and the Thunder are making a habit of breaking the hearts of Houstonians, but the Rockets will have to offer more resistance if they want to be competitive against the NBA's elite teams. less

Jan. 16: Thunder 104, Rockets 92 - The Rockets made some dubious history by scoring 73 points in the first half and 19 in the second half. Kevin Durant and the Thunder are making a habit of breaking the hearts